Sunday, January 30, 2011

It's Sunday night on Craigslist! I found this fun living room set located in Southern Indiana. Check out those fun colors! All of these pieces came out of the same house and can be purchased separately. Check it out HERE!

Don't let the blue carpet distract you. This is a decent mid-century sofa at only $25.00. It's located in Howell, MI. Check it out HERE!

Saturday, January 29, 2011

This is a debate that is not going to end with everyone in agreement. Instead when you are making a decision between wallpaper and paint weigh the pros and cons of each and make your decisions based on good design, economics and home improvement. In the past few years there has been an anti wall paper movement in the design field that I don't always agree with. First the pros of wall paper. Wall paper can add texture in an otherwise bland space. It is great for hiding those little imperfections in older home walls and it lasts much longer then paint. When making a decision for wall paper consider the style of your home. I am a strong advocate for working with the style and period of a home instead of against it. That said, it doesn't mean one has to choose outdated materials. On the down side it can be time consuming to remove and expensive to replace. Next lets consider paint. Paint has to be redone about every 5-10 years depending on the room and what it's used for. There is nothing better then a fresh coat of paint to freshen up a space. The prep is not time consuming and the time is minimal. Paint colors are many and with so many companies putting out pallet sets it makes those choices easy to manage. So in the end to paint or wallpaper is up to the physical characteristics of the home and the design sense of the owner.

Groupings of like vases on a shelf or console make a bold design statement. I prefer using three pieces versus 2 or 4. Maybe I have had some influence from the Japanese culture because 3 is considered to be lucky. Vintage pieces like this set of Royal Haeger vases are an affordable way to create a classic contemporary look. For more information on Royal Haeger Pottery please visit their site!

These pieces are available on Etsy and priced reasonably.

Tulip vase is for sale HERE.Compote is for sale HERE.Ewer is for sale HERE.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

I'm keeping a promise to share matching pieces with my own that are available for sale. Listed are 9 Canonsburg Temproama dinner plates. These plates are available for purchase HERE.The company was founded in 1900 as the Canonsburg China Company by John George. In 1909, the name was changed to Canonsburg Pottery Company. The company produced its pottery in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, a borough south of Pittsburgh. SOLD

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Introducing Pantone 18-2120 Honeysuckle! Pantone describes this color choice as "A Color for All Seasons Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world. Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year. It’s a color for every day – with nothing “everyday” about it."

Sunday, January 23, 2011

I absolutely fell in love with this set of dishes! They are by Homer Laughlin the style Rythym and the pattern Lotus Hai. These pictures do not do this set justice. Not one bit! It's in mint condition and includes: This set includes: 4 dinner plates, 4 desert plates, 4 berry bowls, 4 coffee cups and saucers, cream and sugar, platter and serving bowl!

Every once in a while I'll run across a matching piece to what I have for sale on Etsy and I always think there is someone out there looking for matching pieces. These cute little Eames era sets would brighten up any kitchen. They are marked Price Imports Japan. The bean pot or fondue set is in mint, mint condition and is available for sale HERE.

This is the matching coffee set is in excellent condition and is available for sale by a different seller HERE.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Heidi and Rae Rae have been entered in this years Modernvica Pets on Furniture Photo Contest 2011. They are featured standing on a Lane Daybed from the late 50's. Please help them out by clicking on the link below and vote for them. Heidi has one eye but it has never kept her down, (obviously from the photo), and Rae Rae was rescued from a terrible situation, although she has no teeth she has managed to overcome her past traumas! Plus they're cute!All the pets are pretty cute in the contest and the furniture they're on is so nice. Gotta love people who love their fur babies.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Sunday, January 16, 2011

In the winter I enjoy going to an occasional auction. Live auctions are exciting, the people interesting and the finds outstanding. The only drawback is the time involved. Depending on the size and volume of items you can spend several hours at an auction waiting for an item you're interested in to come up for bidding but the prices are usually worth the wait. In the winter the crowds seem to be smaller and less competitive. I purchased this gorgeous salad bowl and condiment set last weekend at an auction. This item made the auction worth my time and effort. It appears to have never or rarely ever used. Online auctions can also be exciting, the people interesting, and the finds outstanding. You can bid from the convenience of your home. The main draw back is that you're competing with a world audience and can drive prices up beyond your pocket book. I have found many great items on ebay but I have also made a price point that I do not go over when I purchase. I don't purchase items for resale but for personal use. The best auctions are from sellers who either don't know to put the manufacturer in their listing or have misspelled the manufacturer name in their description. So if you're looking for a specific item try a broader search.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Submit a photo of your pet on your favorite mid-century modern furniture for a chance to win an Isamu Noguchi coffee table valued at $695, a Noguchi dining table ($795), a Pierre Paulin easy chair ($1,170) and a George Nelson bubble lamp ($269).Here are some contest tips:

Must be a photo of a pet on modern furniture

Pictures should be clear & the furniture must be recognizable (avoid close ups of your pet’s face)

Photos must be original no borrowing copy written photos without permission

A medium shot is better so we can see the furniture, pet & interior (we want to see your style)

Include your pet’s name and furniture designer/description (if applicable)

Orange, oh how I've missed you! It's great to have you back in my life again. Country blue had nothing on you. This cool orange Westclox alarm clock is ready to greet you in the morning! Tick tock, you can purchase this sweet clock HERE!

Now that you're awake you can head down stairs and enjoy a freshly squeezed glass of orange juice with this cute little orange juicer pitcher set.Available for purchase HERE!

Is it time for tea? Invite 12 of your closest friends for tea.Yes you heard that right, this is a tea service for 12! Available for purchase HERE!

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Every once in a while I come across these great old Americana pieces that remind me of the days when we were manufacturing giants in the world. This is an old enamel can cup made by Continental Can Co. for their annual picnic in 1935! According to the Harvard Business Library the Continental Can Company was founded by T.G. Cranwell in 1904, three years after the formation of its greatest rival, American Can Company.

The company bought the Standard Tin Plate Company in 1909 to ensure that they would have a steady supply of tin. Continental's original business consisted only of packers' cans for fruits and vegetables. Given the seasonal nature of this work, the company decided to expand to general canning in 1912. By 1913 the company had acquired all of the interests of a New Jersey corporation also called Continental Can Co., as well as the Export & Domestic Can Co. and the Standard Tin Plate Co. The same year, Continental was incorporated in the state of New York.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

If money and location wasn't a problem where would you live? It's a restless winter afternoon so it's time to let the Internet take me away to a different place and a unique space. The Internet allows us to check out what the inside of that cool house, condo, mansion, brownstone or loft looks like and we don't have to leave our own home. This can be a great way to get some interior design ideas from some of the finest interiors in the country.

My favorite place to go to a virtual open house is sellModern. Not only do they feature some of the most unique homes in the country their site also features a Contemporary Design Magazine! The images and information offer inspiration for those of us who are fascinated with modern design and architecture. You may not find items here that are in a garage sale budget but it can give you the tools you need to make the right purchases for that look you're seeking on a budget.

Now if you really dream big, and I mean gargantuan, check out some of the most fabulous homes and estates around the world at Christie's Great Estates. I wonder if any of these people ever have garage sales??? If they do I am so there.

If you don't want to deal directly with an owner there is always an option to visit area consignment and used furniture stores. This can take the pressure off both the owner and the buyer. I am sharing a few consignment and used furniture stores. First up is Fred's Unique Furniture and Antiques in Warren, Michigan were you can find this stunning 6 piece hard rock maple living room set. Perfect for that lake cottage or cabin and all for $695.00.I would love to design a room around this set!

Craigslist can be a great resource for used furniture. Prices are often negotiable and deals can be had!

We'll begin with this Homecrest Swivel Rockerwith matching ottoman circa the 1960s and 70s is located in the small town of Butler, IN near Fort Wayne. They are asking $165.00. Homecrest is still in business and was founded in 1953 and headquartered in Wadena, MN.

Next stop is the home of the Wolverines in Ann Arbor, MI. This is a newly upholstered teak framed sofawith the asking price of $570.00.

About Me

I graduated from Indiana University in 1979 with a degree in art education K-12.I worked for "Kittles Furniture" Store in Indianapolis in the early 80s as a sales /design consultant. Later I jumped to graphic design and was the art director of "Art Product News". I've been teaching art since 1989 and enjoy every minute of it! Currently I teach grades K-12. I've done it all!!